Opinion

As a publication of record and analysis, Scottish Construction Now is not given to publishing editorials or pontificating but the overwhelming results of our readers’ survey on the state of Scotland’s planning system are so devastating that we are compelled to speak out. Of the 135 busin

Jo Gilroy, group director of sustainability at Balfour Beatty, discusses the benefits and pitfalls of introducing hydrogen solutions on site at the company’s zero carbon construction site at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. It’s been a few months since we last updated on our progre

For today's Scottish Housing Day, Cruden Group MD Steven Simpson talks about the challenges facing the housebuilding industry and the way that Cruden is taking a new approach and adapting its strategy for long-term success. As we mark Scottish Housing Day, it gives the chance to reflect on the

Kieran Sexton, commercial director at AS Homes (Scotland) and Briar Homes Ltd, highlights the importance of embracing work experience in the construction sector. Scottish Housing Day takes place next week, with the theme of "celebrating housing as a career". I have been commercial director at Scotti

With several industry awards on the horizon for the built environment, communications specialist Stuart Young shares insights on how to make the best of entering for such accolades. Industry awards, no matter your sector, can be a bit like Marmite – you either love them or hate them. As s

Gilson Gray legal director Gregor Duthie shares his thoughts on the Register of Controlling Interests in Land and what it means for overseas investors and trusts that hold Scottish property. Greater transparency over the ownership of property in Scotland – and the UK, for that matter – h

In the recent case of Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited v Ove Arup & Partners Scotland Limited CA117/21 [2023] CSOH 53 the issue of prescription was revisited by Lord Harrower at a preliminary proof, writes Karen Cornwell. By way of background, the ongoing case involves the development of a f

Rearo managing director Graham Mercer explores the current skills gap in Scottish construction and the need for a co-ordinated approach to developing homegrown skills. As labour-intensive sectors, UK construction and manufacturing depend more than most on the constant and reliable replenishment

Peterhead-based surveyor Steven Dale reflects on the noted increase in battery storage at properties with solar panels. Sometimes there are straws in the wind which can make you reassess the way the future of a particular technology or trend is likely to shape up. I have come across some of them rec

Accredited employment law specialist Laura Salmond suggests that the Flexible Working Bill will likely see more employees become aware of the right to make flexible working requests, and that the volume of these requests will increase. On 29 July 2023, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working

It is a common misconception that Home Reports are not required if you sell your home without the help of an estate agent or solicitor. Peterhead-based surveyor Steven Dale warns this is not the case. Whether Covid is to blame, or whether we are all just becoming resigned to doing everything online,

Conduit Finance managing director Jamie Davidson looks at how Scotland can learn from the German capital's rent cap alternative to instead accelerate social housing. Translated it means rent cover. It's relevant in the context of the Scottish rent freeze & cap. There was an interesting announcem

Clare Paterson writes about the initiatives and efforts undertaken by the Scottish Government and the construction industry to reform the process of construction procurement, discussing recent workshops focused on streamlining procurement, increasing collaboration, and improving outcomes. On average

Peel Ports Clydeport director James McSporran considers the opportunities the energy transition presents to both the construction and logistics sectors in Scotland, and how the two sectors can work more closely together to reap the benefits and to accelerate their own decarbonisation goals. The

Knight Frank Scotland property management associate Lyndsay Clark believes that properties that create social spaces and encourage a sense of community can be a starting point to encourage people back to the office. It is no secret that some employers have struggled to get staff back into the office